TAFT ANNOUNCES OHIO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT MISSION TO JAPAN
AND TAIWAN
Governor to Lead Delegation of Ohio Companies to Explore Business Opportunities
COLUMBUS (November 13, 2003) - Governor Bob Taft today announced plans to lead a delegation of Ohio companies and organizations on the Ohio Business and Investment Mission to Japan and Taiwan, September 24 - October 2, 2004. The mission will focus on promoting investment in Ohio by Japanese and Taiwanese companies, as well as trade opportunities for Ohio companies. The itinerary is expected to include participation in the annual conference of the Midwest U.S.- Japan Association in Tokyo.
"This mission will allow us to strengthen Ohio's trade and investment relationships with Japan and Taiwan, and capitalize on Ohio's competitive advantages in high technology fields such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences and biotechnology," Taft said. "This is an excellent opportunity for all Ohio companies and organizations interested in exploring or expanding ties to the Asian market."
The goals of the Ohio Business and Investment Mission to Japan and Taiwan are to promote the expansion of existing Japanese investment in Ohio, and to target prospects for new investment and jobs. Additionally, the mission will promote Ohio's strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, biotechnology and other high-tech industries to potential business partners and investors from Japan and Taiwan. The mission also will provide opportunities to build educational, social and cultural exchange between Ohio and these countries.
Japan is Ohio's largest single-country source of foreign direct investment, with more than 300 facilities employing nearly 70,000 Ohioans. In addition, Japan is Ohio's fourth largest export market. Taiwan is a strong export market for Ohio, and a growing center for high technology investment and collaboration with American companies.
Ohio companies interested in participating in the mission should contact Randy Hochstetter, mission coordinator, of the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division at (614) 466-5017 or (800) 848-1300.
The Ohio Business and Investment Mission to Asia will be Governor Taft's fifth international business mission. The Governor's previous four trade missions to Japan, South America, Europe and Mexico have resulted in more than $473 million in projected new Ohio business and investment and more than 1,395 jobs.
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Contact: Rachel Caldwell at (614) 466-4133 or Bill Teets at (614) 466-2382,
Ohio Department of Development; or Orest Holubec at (614) 644-0957, Governor's
Office